Top 5 best motorcycle rentals in Arusha

Arusha sits at the foot of Mount Meru with Kilimanjaro visible on a clear morning, and the fastest way to feel that landscape is from the seat of a scooter rather than behind a fogged-up car window. Ride out toward Momella Gate, watch giraffes graze along the roadside inside Arusha National Park, or take the loop around the pink-tinged Momella Lakes at your own pace, stopping wherever the light is good. A two-wheeler turns these stops into a morning's whim instead of a scheduled excursion.

Most of what makes Arusha worth exploring lies within 15 to 40 km of town, close enough that a car feels like overkill and slow going in market traffic, but far enough that walking won't cut it. A scooter rental in Arusha covers that middle distance easily, threading through town congestion and parking right at a lodge gate or market stall without a second thought. It also opens up small, unhurried stops — a crater lake, a coffee farm, a viewpoint — that don't warrant booking a full safari vehicle and guide.

Top 10 things to see in Arusha by scooter

1. Arusha National Park (Momella Gate) — a short ride from town into a park where Mount Meru, giraffes and buffalo appear right along the road, with canoeing available on the Momella Lakes.
2. Momella Lakes — a string of shallow alkaline lakes often tinted pink with flamingos, best seen on the park's scenic loop road.
3. Ngurdoto Crater viewpoint — a rim overlook nicknamed "Little Ngorongoro," an easy detour off the main park loop.
4. Lake Duluti — a peaceful crater lake about 12 km out, good for a quick ride and a walk around its forested edge.
5. Meserani Snake Park — a familiar roadside stop on the A104 toward Ngorongoro, simple to pull into for a half-day loop.
6. Cultural Heritage Centre — a sprawling art, craft and curio complex on the Dodoma road, a natural turnaround point for a short town ride.
7. Tengeru village and coffee farms — farmland east of town with coffee-farm stops and views up Mount Meru's slopes.
8. Usa River — a small town of lodges and farms on the way to Kilimanjaro, a good midpoint stop.
9. Road to Moshi (Arusha–Moshi Highway) — on a clear day the ride itself is the attraction, with Kilimanjaro filling the horizon.
10. Arusha Central Market and clock tower — the town's commercial heart, and the spot for the well-known "halfway between Cairo and Cape Town" photo.

What do you need to rent a scooter in Arusha?

You'll need a valid motorcycle entitlement on your home licence plus an International Driving Permit — a car-only licence isn't accepted. Most operators set a minimum age above Tanzania's legal driving age of 18, and expect a deposit; where possible, leave cash rather than your passport. Bring your licence, IDP and rental paperwork with you on every ride, as roadside checks are routine.

How much does it cost to rent a scooter in Arusha?

Average rental price is around 12,000–15,000 TZS per day for a basic scooter during low season, rising to roughly 20,000–30,000 TZS during high season. Larger or newer motorcycles, including 150cc-plus and trail bikes, run 40,000–70,000 TZS per day.

• Prices climb in July–September and again in December–January, when dry-season migration viewing and the holidays bring more visitors.
• Prices drop in April–May and November, the quieter rainy months with the least tourist traffic.

When to book a rental scooter in Arusha?

June through October is both the best riding weather and the busiest season, so book ahead if you're travelling then. If you'd rather ride cheap and don't mind the odd shower, April–May and November bring lower prices and thinner crowds, though the long rains from March to May can make unpaved tracks slick.

Local traffic rules in Arusha

Tanzania drives on the left, with overtaking on the right. Helmets are mandatory for both rider and passenger. Speed limits sit around 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside town, with frequent speed bumps and checks through villages. Ride with zero alcohol — enforcement is strict — and avoid riding after dark, since unlit vehicles, pedestrians and livestock make night roads unpredictable.

Types of motorcycles available

On our website you can rent the following types of motorcycles: cruiser, sport, touring, standard, classic, dual-purpose, dirt bikes, street, naked bikes or roadsters, choppers, custom, streetfighter, sport-touring, dual-sport, on-road, off-road, adventure motorcycles, supermoto, scrambler, motorcycle with sidecar, enduro, motocross mx, trail, motards, tricycles, bikes with automatic or manual gears, luxury motorbikes.

Models of motorcycles available

On our website you can hire motorcycles from the following manufacturers: BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Buell, Cagiva, Ducati, Gilera, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, KTM, Husqvarna, Jawa, MV Agusta, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Benelli, Bajaj, Indian, Royal Enfield, TVS, Beta, Bimota.

Which insurance is provided?

Most providers include basic third-party liability insurance in the rental price, with options to upgrade to fuller coverage that reduces or removes your deposit liability in case of damage or theft. Always confirm exactly what is and isn’t covered before you set off.

Extra services available

When you make an online motorbike reservation you can also order the following extra services and equipment: integral helmet, GPS navigation, intercom, unlimited mileage, top case, side cases, boots, jacket, gloves, individual guide or tour, map, full insurance, one-way rental, or delivery to your chosen address.

Why use BikesBooking.com?

• Compare prices from multiple local rental companies in one place;
• Read reviews from previous customers;
• Reserve online with a Best Price Guarantee;
• Friendly support if your plans change.

Most of our motorcycle rental providers have years of experience and will equip you with a well-maintained bike, helmet and insurance for the ride ahead. The number of companies we work with is increasing every day, so if you want to rent a motorcycle locally, just use the search form at the top of the page. Have a nice trip!